Support modelling question

Hi,

I am in process of creating a Staad.Pro model for a structural steel module (with piping items inside it). The module is shaped like a cube with diagonal horizontal, vertical and diagonal beam members. Please find below sketch of the structural steel module. The sketch shows the module (in black box) "sitting" on another structure which interfaces (touches) with the module via those red horizontal beams (underneath and parallel to the module).

What is the best way to model the supports of the module? I am thinking of a distributed supports but it is not available.

Appreciate in advance your kind feedback. 

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  • When the support is provided by another structure, modeling it is always tricky. One can define spring ( FIXED BUT KFX  xxx KFY xxx KFZ xxx )  supports but estimating the stiffness of the springs is not always easy. If you do not have a realistic estimate of the support stiffness, you may go ahead and model these as pinned supports ( unless these supports resist moment too ). There is no continuous edge type support available in STAAD.Pro and so you may need to subdivide the bottom beams into segments and define supports at those intermediate node locations to simulate a continuous support.



  • Sye,

    Thanks for your feedback.

    Will having a "Footing Foundation" support (with the specified area (LxW) as the area where the module touches the other structure shown in red ), applied at the mid point of the module's steel member, be reasonable for this particular application? 

    Thanks.

    -Morgan-

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